Jim Irsay, principal owner and CEO of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts since 1997, has amassed an extensive collection of music memorabilia and historical artifacts over decades.[1][2]

The collection includes more than 150 guitars and musical instruments used by artists such as Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, and The Edge of U2, as well as rare manuscripts and American historical documents like a 1789 display copy of the U.S. Bill of Rights and a first printing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."[2][3]

Irsay, whose family acquired the Colts franchise in 1972, also maintains sports memorabilia tied to the team's history, displayed alongside his broader collection at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.[1][4]

The Jim Irsay Collection has been featured in a traveling exhibition tour styled as a rock concert production, with free public shows in major U.S. cities. The 2024 tour included stops in Nashville on May 17-18, Chicago in June, and other locations through the year.[3][5]

Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts since 2008, has hosted displays of the collection, connecting Irsay's personal interests to the franchise he leads. The Colts currently compete in the AFC South division.[1][4]

Sources

1. Indianapolis Colts. "Owners & Front Office - Jim Irsay". Accessed October 2024. https://www.colts.com/team/owners-front-office-jim-irsay
2. Wikipedia. "Jim Irsay". Accessed October 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Irsay
3. Jim Irsay Collection. "Home". Accessed October 2024. https://www.jimirsaycollection.com/
4. Lucas Oil Stadium. "About". Accessed October 2024. https://www.lucasoilstadium.com/about
5. The Tennessean. "Jim Irsay Collection tour kicks off Friday in Nashville with free show". May 17, 2024. https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/05/17/jim-irsay-collection-tour-nashville/73758744007/